King Charles to Make U.S. State Visit Despite Calls to Cancel

The visit comes amid tensions over the Iran war and Trump's criticism of the British government.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, muted painting of a government building or political figure in a state of solitude, with warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood.The ceremonial pomp of a state visit belies the underlying tensions between the U.S. and U.K. over the Iran war, as King Charles III travels to Washington.Washington Today

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to travel to the United States in late April to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, despite calls for the state visit to be canceled due to tensions between the U.S. and U.K. over the Iran war. The decision to proceed with the long-discussed visit may be seen as an effort by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government to ease the tensions or at least not enflame them further.

Why it matters

The state visit is a ceremonial event used to bolster relations between countries, but it comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and U.K. over the Iran war. Former President Trump has repeatedly criticized the British government for failing to support the war, and some members of Parliament are calling for the visit to be canceled to avoid embarrassment for the king.

The details

The visit follows Trump's state visit to the U.K. in 2025, which was seen as part of Britain's effort to shore up the 'special relationship' between the two countries. However, Trump has since lashed out at Prime Minister Starmer, saying he is 'not Winston Churchill.' This has led some members of Parliament to demand that Starmer call off the state visit to show Britain's disapproval and avoid any embarrassment for the king.

  • The king and Queen Camilla will travel to the U.S. in late April 2026.
  • The visit will coincide with the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

The players

King Charles III

The reigning monarch of the United Kingdom who is set to make a state visit to the U.S.

Queen Camilla

The wife of King Charles III who will accompany him on the state visit.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has repeatedly criticized the British government for failing to support the war in Iran.

Keir Starmer

The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who is facing calls to cancel the state visit.

Ed Davey

The leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats who has criticized Starmer for allowing the state visit to go ahead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”

— Donald Trump

“To send the king on a state visit to the U.S. after Trump dismissed our Royal Navy as toys is a humiliation and a sign of a government too weak to stand up to bullies. What appalling thing does Trump have to do next to make the government see sense and cancel the state visit?”

— Ed Davey, Leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats

What’s next

The king's state visit to the U.S. is scheduled for late April 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

The takeaway

The decision to proceed with the state visit despite calls for its cancellation highlights the delicate balance the British government must strike between maintaining diplomatic relations and addressing the tensions caused by the Iran war. The visit will be closely watched for any signs of strain or discomfort between the two countries.